Hello to all,
I'm sure all of you have seen or heard of the Indian Ocean disaster, the latest name the media has given to the horrible events on Dec. 26th. We're all tired of seeing the images in our mind. Disturbing as they are, we must not block them out. Remember the survivors in prayer. Pray that they realize their lives still have purpose. Donate to whomever you trust to help in the relief effort, as you are able. But don't stop acting after you donate. Pray and pay attention. This is going to cause long-term problems for the region. Here are some stories I've heard. These can help you to pray and act more specifically.
Indonesia has been devastated the worst from this tragedy. Earthquakes are common there, but this one was more than anyone expected. You can pray that the people will be able to receive food and water. It is extremely difficult to deliver necessities to survivors in some regions. Some areas are only accessible by helicopters. There is also filthy standing water that could allow diseases to spread.
Sri Lanka was devasted by tidal waves. There were many people who lived along the coast. Many of the victims were women and children. There is also a lack of cooperation between Tamil Tigers army and the government. The Tamil Tigers want their own country. Violence could spread and prevent the survivors from being helped.
Thailand
I'd like to announce some good news. I emailed my scuba instructor who worked at Ko Pi Pi, and he wrote back that he and his wife are okay. But a Thai woman who worked at Princess Dive Shop was lost. He remembered me and my teacher friends who went diving there in August. He is the only person I knew who could have been hurt. So far all of my friends were not there. One of my friends was planning a trip to Phuket with her parents, but they were planning to go on Wednesday. The earthquake and waves happened on Sunday. So they went to Cambodia instead. I don't think any members of my church in Bangkok went either, which is amazing. It is a large church.
On Sunday, I heard the stories of members of my church who went to Phang Nga to help in the aftermath of the tragedy. Two families with about six teenagers went to the area. They helped the survivors and family members looking for their loved ones. These families felt called to do this work because they had lived in Phang Nga for about ten years. I am amazed by what they did, especially the teenagers. One woman was a nurse. Teenagers gave their phone to survivors who called their families and let them know they were okay. They also worked with translation teams with people from all over the world. Some of the members of the these teams were themselves injured survivors. One father summed up his experience by saying it was like seeing "Heaven and Hell mixed together". The Hell of seeing bodies and families separated from each other is obvious. But he described a glimpse of what Heaven would be like. No one needed money to get food, to find a place to stay or even to fly out of the country. No one needed passports. People from many nations, who spoke many languages, and came from many backgrounds cared for one another. One of them said "It did not matter who you were. Everyone was seen only as a human."
Sadly, I read in the Bangkok Post that the Thai government has not been helping Burmese refugees who were victims. Many illegal Burmese workers have had to hide because the Thai government is deporting them. These people are denied the right to receive medical treatment and search for their loved ones.
The family said that we should pray for the orphans. One boy was at a family reunion when the waves hit. The survivors wonder "Why am I alive?" Pray that they will find purpose and hope for their lives.
Sweden declared that this was their worst disaster ever even though the country is far away from the Indian Ocean. More Swedish people died in this disaster than in any other event in their history. Many of them were in Thailand on holiday. Sweden has been neutral in wars and they have not suffered many disasters. This tragedy can truly be called a global catastrophe. Almost every nation on earth lost someone on December 26th.
This is only a short list. Other parts of Asia, India, and even Africa were also hit by the waves.
I believe God allowed all this to happen. I don't believe He did this. Everything I know about God says He is kind and merciful. But He is also a creator who set powerful forces of nature to shape our amazing universe. Governments, scientists, and businesses acted irresponsilby. Why were so many people living in risky areas? Why was there no tsunami warning system? Humans were responsible, but I still wonder why God let it happen. I have to believe that God is good and that He cares for us. The Bible says that we will see many disasters and wars before Jesus comes again. Maybe this is a sign of the end of the world. Maybe it is a warning to not waste time. Our lives are short. If you know someone who does not know Christ, then it's time to tell to them.
May God bless you. I hope my post has helped you to pray and respond with action.
-Steve
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